Bridging Past and Present: Livia Tani’s Re-imagining of Architecture
Bridging Past and Present: Livia Tani’s Re-imagining of Architecture - Interview by Emely Arnold and Lukas Panen
During the Architecture for Fashion course, we had the pleasure of attending a lecture by Livia Tani on her previous work for Ateliers Jean Nouvel. Her presentation, titled Brand Experience in Architecture, offered insight into how major brands are translated into architecture through thoughtful and expressive design. Following the lecture, we had the opportunity to interview Livia Tani and delve deeper into her perspective on the architectural field, discussing both inspirations and concerns shaping the profession today.
How do you approach the selection of materials in your projects, particularly in terms of cultural relevance, durability and environmental impact?
When selecting materials for my projects, I prioritize site specificity — choosing materials that resonate with the local context, climate, and cultural heritage. I believe in maintaining the honesty of materials, allowing them to express their true character rather than disguising them. Even materials that weather over time carry a beauty in the way they tell the story of age and use; this natural aging process adds depth and meaning to a project.
Materials should also serve as a medium to communicate the narrative or concept behind a design. They are not merely functional, but expressive elements that contribute to the identity of the architecture. I find inspiration in architects like Kengo Kuma, whose innovative yet respectful use of materials demonstrates how traditional elements can be reimagined. For instance, using cables to create curtain-like elements or suspending traditional tiles in nets to redefine their relationship with space and function — these approaches illustrate how existing materials can be used in new, culturally resonant ways.
In essence, my approach emphasizes the innovation of material application over technological novelty. It’s about reinterpreting and recontextualizing what already exists to create meaningful, durable, and environmentally thoughtful architecture.
What do you see as the ethical considerations or challenges in incorporating AI into architectural practice, particularly in labor and creative autonomy?
The integration of AI into architecture presents both opportunities and ethical challenges. AI can take over repetitive tasks, streamlining the execution phase and freeing architects to focus on creative and conceptual work. However, there's a risk that widespread use could lead to homogenized designs and a decline in nuanced, critical thinking, as creativity becomes more accessible but potentially less original.
In this evolving landscape, the individual architect’s knowledge and vision will be what truly differentiates a project. While design inspiration is shifting from architects themselves to media and online content, architecture may increasingly resemble fashion — a status symbol driven by aspiration. On the positive side, AI could democratize design, allowing more people to engage with architecture. The challenge lies in using AI as a tool to enhance creativity, not replace it.
If you can picture the ideal project you could work on, that seems most interesting to you right now, what would it be about?
Rather than imagining a single ideal project, what interests me most right now is an ideal design approach — one that focuses on making the old or existing built environment feel contemporary and relevant again. I believe we already have everything we need; the challenge is not to build more, but to stop demolishing and start reimagining. Existing buildings deserve to live on, and through thoughtful, respectful interventions, we can give them a new purpose and presence. For me, the most meaningful work lies in breathing new life into what already exists, bridging the past with the present in a sustainable and culturally sensitive way.